AMBULANCE chiefs today urged Birmingham families to paint a clear house number on their homes.

Paramedics at West Midlands Ambulance Service say cutting back bushes that obscure house numbers or giving a property a visual impact could help save people's lives.

The service's chief executive Anthony Marsh said: "Although new technology has made a huge difference to the way ambulances find addresses, making sure you make it obvious for the crew can only help. Is your house number easily seen from the road?

"Has a hedge overgrown a street name sign?

"It is worth going out to have a look and see how easy, or difficult it is, to find your house, especially after dark.

"If you are unfortunate enough to need to call for an ambulance to your home, while it is on the way, open your curtains and turn the lights on if possible.

"Equally, if there is someone available, you could get them to be on the lookout for the emergency vehicle and get them to go outside when they see or hear its arrival.

"Time can often be of the essence and seconds can literally be the difference between life and death."

He said making the address obvious is particularly important in cases where a community first responder is sent out to people who could be unconscious or suffering chest pains.

"First responders are volunteers who can provide basic first aid, oxygen therapy and carry a defibrillator," said Mr Marsh.

"In such cases, seconds are vital. They do not have blue lights or a siren but live locally. Making your house obvious could make a huge difference when they are trying to locate it."